Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ❀⸜(˶´ ˘ `˶)⸝❀
Not yet in the courtroom, Zhang Bin was invited by Duan Qin to the office of the Office of Finance. Among the six Offices in the Governor’s Mansion, the Offices of finance and military had the largest scale. Although Duan Qin and Zhang Bin served in these two Offices respectively, their relationship was harmonious, and they occasionally invited each other to visit their homes. However, it was rare for them to close the door and talk privately like this.
After sitting down, Zhang Bin spoke first, “Brother Duan seems preoccupied today. Is there something troubling your mind?”
Duan Qin’s behavior in persuading the Lord to marry was indeed strange in Zhang Bin’s eyes. How could he overlook it?
After the attendants left, Duan Qin hesitated for a moment before saying, “Not hiding anything from Meng Sun, there is something quite difficult to handle. If I haven’t guessed wrong, General Yi may have developed special feelings for the Lord… No, their relationship might not be as simple as admiration anymore.”
Startled by this sudden revelation, Zhang Bin furrowed his brow. “How is it possible for the Lord and General Yi?”
Zhang Bin considered himself adept at judging people. Since he had known the Lord, he had never detected any trace of coquetry or femininity in him. Even when the southern wind blew, the Lord remained unaffected. As for Yiyan, although he greatly admired the Lord, in the mansion with so many close associates, who wouldn’t regard the Lord as a wise and virtuous ruler? Not to mention the common people outside who revered the Lord as a sage. Even if Yiyan had any improper thoughts, would the Lord agree?
Moreover, Yiyan was a rather unsightly Jie. How could Zhang Bin easily believe such words?
Seeing Zhang Bin’s disbelief, Duan Qin sighed lightly. “Meng Sun, do you remember when General Yi returned from You County? The Lord not only went to welcome him in Shangdang but also greeted him at Fukou Pass. Since that day, General Yi has been living in the Governor’s Mansion. I only had suspicions before, but yesterday, when I invited him to discuss matters at the mansion and mentioned the Lord’s marriage, his expression made everything clear. Today, the Lord refused the marriage proposal again, and he even has thoughts of not marrying at all. How can people not be worried?”
Zhang Bin, who had not witnessed the scene when General Yi returned from You County, was taken aback. However, this matter was not a secret. To others, it seemed that the Lord valued his trusted generals. Unlike Zhang Bin, Duan Qin had personally witnessed the situation. Looking at Duan Qin’s serious expression, Zhang Bin suddenly became alert. Some matters, even if not mentioned, would appear suspicious when brought up by others. Leaving aside other things, at the previous New Year’s banquet, the Lord’s demeanor seemed somewhat unusual. If there was indeed something between the two…
Zhang Bin’s expression changed, and Duan Qin knew that he had about 80% belief in the matter. He quickly said, “If that’s the case, every day the Lord remains unmarried is a day of potential danger. After all, Yiyan’s identity is different from others. How can he be a suitable person to get entangled in love affairs? The Lord is truly confused this time!”
This was the most critical issue. Yiyan was not like others; he was the top-notch military general who had led the Liang’s three armies to victory, defeating 40,000 enemies with only 2,000 soldiers and personally taking the enemy commander’s head. Once their relationship soured, if he led troops in rebellion, who could stop him? Moreover, considering the Lord’s frail health, if he passed away early, who could guarantee that Liang Rong would safely inherit this vast family legacy? In times of chaos, having control over military forces was the fundamental key. Now, the relationship between the two was starting to hinder the Lord’s marriage, and as a strategist, Duan Qin couldn’t help but feel anxious!
However, after contemplating for a moment, Zhang Bin shook his head. “If the Lord truly has a private relationship with General Yi, it would be inappropriate to force him to marry now.”
“Are you…” Duan Qin was so frustrated that he kicked a leg. “Is the Lord just going to let it be like this?”
“The Lord has a plan in mind,” Zhang Bin replied calmly. “Whether it’s to appease General Yi or a genuine reluctance to marry, at least his current strategy is well-thought-out. It’s far better than reluctantly entering into a marriage. General Yi’s loyalty to the Lord is something you should understand best, Si Ruo. Instead of acting rashly, it’s better to observe the situation. Besides, in military matters, preventing any issues is not that difficult.”
Duan Qin paused for a moment, then immediately reacted, “You mean Zhang He?”
“Not just Zhang He,” Zhang Bin said. “There’s also Sun Jiao and even Liu Gong. The three armies of the Liang already have their respective commanders. Among them, Zhang He is the most astute. If General Yi has any intentions, he won’t blindly follow. Sun Jiao and Liu Gong are the same, not to mention that their troops are either residents of Liang’s territory or stationed in Shangdang, undoubtedly loyal to the Lord. Add to that the relatives of Linghu Kuang, as well as Li Jun, Tian Yun, and others. Solely considering military affairs, the risk is not very high.”
Zhang Bin, being in charge of military affairs, had an in-depth understanding of the military situation in Bing County. However, Duan Qin remained vigilant and asked, “What about the Tiger and Wolf Cavalry? Wang Long is also a Jie person, and the Tiger and Wolf Cavalry are mostly composed of them. If General Yi calls for rebellion, the consequences would be unimaginable!”
The Tiger and Wolf Cavalry possessed formidable combat power, ranking among the top in the three armies. It was also the unit with the most Jie people among all the regiments. This force was entirely under the control of Yiyan.
“Don’t forget that these Hu people are devout followers of Buddhism,” Zhang Bin decisively stated. “Buddhism is flourishing in Bing County now, and which one of the Tiger and Wolf Cavalry doesn’t regard the Lord as a deity? If Yiyan really rebels, it won’t be easy for him to gather support. Moreover, after establishing the horse ranch, the new recruits added to the Tiger and Wolf Cavalry will mainly consist of residents, with Hu people accounting for less than thirty percent. The Lord has never been ambiguous in matters of military use.”
Turning the Hu people into an asset had always been a key point of Liang Feng’s attention. Previously, the Xiongnu absorbed a large number of Northern Hu people, while the refugees accommodated in Bing County were primarily Han people. Consequently, the proportion of Hu to Han in Bing County had been adjusted from an equal split to three-sevenths. Measures such as cultural assimilation and mixed residence had never been relaxed. It was unlikely that these military officers would follow Yiyan in rebellion.
Did Yiyan notice this level of caution? Duan Qin suddenly realized something. Yiyan had been involved in everything that passed through the military, and he had orchestrated this development. Step by step, he allowed his military power to be stripped away, even actively instructing those generals from the Liang family, making them regard the Lord as a deity.
No one knew Yiyan’s loyalty better than Duan Qin, but to go this far for a personal relationship, wasn’t it too risky?
“Si Ruo, have you noticed?” Zhang Bin smiled faintly. “General Yi has long been prepared for this matter.”
No one would sacrifice their interests to this extent unless it was for irrational personal emotions. Was this deliberately arranged by the Lord, or was it a mutual trust and understanding between the two? The reasons didn’t matter much; the crux of the matter was whether the Lord could control Yiyan. This question was self-evident.
“What about the Lord’s back?” Duan Qin hesitated.
When it came to personal relationships, besides death before an emperor, there were no exceptions—all would suffer ruin. The more power one held, the truer this became. The Lord was older than Yiyan and not in the best health. Who could guarantee that Yiyan would die before him? If the Lord died, would Yiyan willingly submit to execution?
If not, how could the political power be smoothly handed over to Lord Rong’s hands?
“This, I’m afraid we’ll have to ask General Yi himself first…” Zhang Bin leaned on the table, pondering his response.
As the principal officer of Xinling Commandery, he cared more about this matter than Duan Qin. The grand undertaking could not afford any mistakes, and if there were hidden dangers, they must be eliminated as soon as possible!
※
“Springtime military exercises were planned last year. Why the sudden change?” Having just gotten out of bed, Yiyan was intercepted by Zhang Bin in the governor’s residence before heading to the main camp. Hearing that it was about military training, he frowned.
Early spring is a busy season for farming, and the stationed soldiers must temporarily remove their armor to go back and tend to their fields. However, the Tiger and Wolf Cavalry mainly consists of regular soldiers who don’t need to participate in farming activities. After several months of training, it was time to release them for bandit suppression and practical experience. This plan was established last year, and approved by the Lord. Now, with Zhang Bin bringing up the matter again, it inevitably surprised people.
Zhang Bin explained, “When the plan was made last year, the Emperor had not yet relocated the capital. Given the current situation, we need to rearrange accordingly.”
He then briefly outlined the situation. The adjustment involved reducing the scale of bandit suppression to be able to withdraw troops at any time and reinforce Shangdang.
“Will the Xiongnu launch an attack in spring?” Yiyan responded quickly, immediately asking.
“They likely have such intentions,” Zhang Bin replied.
This was not good news. Shangdang was one of Bing County’s main granaries with well-established water facilities. If spring farming was disrupted, this year’s harvest would be significantly reduced. Meanwhile, there were tens of thousands of hungry refugees near Luoyang. If there were shortages in food, it could lead to major unrest.
“Will this operation benefit Bing County?” Yiyan didn’t dwell on the issue of spring warfare and went straight to the key point. If the situation became severe, Zhang Bin wouldn’t stop him here; instead, he should inform the Lord and convene a military meeting.
“General Yi’s insight is accurate,” Zhang Bin nodded. “The old bandit Liu Yuan won’t live much longer, and there may be changes in the Han court.”
Zhang Bin’s response was brusque, but Yiyan didn’t delve further. He just nodded and said, “I understand. This time, training and suppressing bandits will not cross the borders of Taiyuan County.”
Zhang Bin was in charge of Xinling and was only responsible to the Lord. Information was often kept confidential. Yiyan was aware of this and wouldn’t pry into details.
Seeing him respond so straightforwardly, Zhang Bin smiled and said, “That’s good then. I heard General Yi is about to move out of the governor’s residence. After settling in the new place, you might be getting married and having children soon—a happy event is approaching.”
The matter of moving had been decided two days ago. Upon learning that Duan Qin had noticed their relationship, Liang Feng promptly selected a residence for Yiyan, quite far from the governor’s residence. In a few more days, after the renovations were complete, he could move in. However, for the convenience of “official business,” a courtyard in the governor’s residence was still reserved for Yiyan. If he stayed there late for work, it wouldn’t be surprising.
As the move was imminent, it wasn’t unusual for colleagues to show concern about personal matters. However, Ye Yan narrowed his eyes. Duan Qin had mentioned something similar before. Now that everything had settled, and Zhang Bin brought up the matter again, the intention wasn’t hard to guess.
Without hesitation, Yiyan said, “Excessive bloodshed delays the succession of offspring. I have no intention of marrying.”
This was the first time Yiyan had mentioned his personal plans to someone else. Zhang Bin feigned surprise and raised an eyebrow, “Which general doesn’t engage in bloodshed? General Yi, you are still young; you might not feel it now. But as you age, attain noble titles, and become a prime minister, can you afford not to have heirs to inherit your family legacy?”
“Captain Zhang worries too much. Whether it’s marriage or having children, I have no interest in either,” Yiyan cut to the chase, stating, “I am grateful for the Lord’s favor; how could I dare to disappoint?”
Although Yiyan’s words were resolute, Zhang Bin restrained his smile and said, “If that’s the case, General, how do you plan for your later years?”
Was he suggesting that without offspring, his later years would be difficult? Certainly not! What Zhang Bin was directly pointing to was how Yiyan would establish himself in the future. Without heirs, not forming alliances, not recommending capable individuals, and even maintaining average relations with military figures like Linghu Sheng — in the future court, who would vouch for him?
“I am the Lord’s weapon, to be used or kept as he decides,” Yiyan’s face remained calm as water, but his voice carried a hint of decisiveness.
He didn’t leave himself a way out. If one day the Lord wanted to reclaim his military authority, Yiyan wouldn’t resist in the slightest. Everything he had was given by the Lord, from wealth to life. Returning it to the Lord, what harm would it do?
This answer somewhat surprised Zhang Bin. After pondering for a moment, he asked, “A gentleman doesn’t put himself in harm’s way. General Yi, are you not regretful of such a declaration?”
Yiyan countered, “Captain Zhang holds Xinling; do you not regret it?”
This remark was quite sharp. Holding a crucial position like Xinling could lead to only two outcomes. Either he would be highly trusted by the Lord, achieving great success and fame, or on the day of his success, he would be silenced by the new ruler. Zhang Bin, did he not fear being in a dangerous situation with no place for burial?
Candidly, Zhang Bin said, “Assisting a wise ruler in pacifying the realm is my lifelong wish.”
For the sake of this ideal, no danger or hardship could deter Zhang Bin. Therefore, he would not regret it.
“I have achieved my lifelong wish. What is there to regret?” Yiyan answered nonchalantly.
Can mere romantic feelings fulfill one’s desires? Zhang Bin didn’t think so. But Yiyan’s actions were impeccable. One could even say that as long as his intentions remained unchanged, he would be more reliable than any marriage alliance. Which in-law could be as valiant and skilled in warfare as Yiyan, without personal motives? With no wife or children, no attachments, all honor and disgrace determined by the Lord’s command. With Yiyan present, other military commanders would be suppressed, preventing anyone from taking a step forward. The Lord’s control over the army would reach its peak, with no possibility of decentralization.
This is the foundation for a stable kingdom! As for the matters behind him, it would depend on the Lord’s testament. If Yiyan remained steadfast in his ways, executing his orders would not be too difficult.
Sighing lightly, Zhang Bin uttered a phrase, “Qing Ren, Joyful Warrior, withdraw and yield, harmonize with softness, ingratiating oneself to the superior, yet it has not been matched under heaven.”
This was an evaluation from “Records of the Grand Historian” regarding Wei Qing, the Grand Marshal and Generalissimo of Western Han. Strictly speaking, it was a mixed review.
Hearing this, Yiyan smiled, “Then I shall emulate the Grand Marshal and be buried before the Emperor’s mausoleum.”
This smile carried a hint of admiration. After all, Wei Qing was an unparalleled general who consolidated the foundation of the Western Han Dynasty. He didn’t cultivate cliques, yet he could begin and end well. Understanding each other between monarch and minister, there was nothing better than this.
Zhang Bin closed his mouth and replied with a gesture. Yiyan returned a salute and left.
A few days later, an envoy from the emperor arrived in Jinyang. On the surface, they came to reward Liang Feng for dispatching troops to protect the imperial carriage. In reality, they brought an imperial edict indicating a marriage proposal. Furthermore, it wasn’t just anyone; it was the emperor’s own sister. Even if she wasn’t the Crown Princess, her status was exceptionally noble.
Unfortunately, the envoy who arrived with high hopes did not hear the desired answer. After spending only two days in Jinyang, he hastily set off and rushed back to Shou City.
